The talent of gundogs will be on show at the Dungog Common this Sunday when the Working Gundog Club hosts Retrieving Ability Tests.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraner, Springer or Cocker Spaniels will be in action as the tests simulate upland hunting practices to retrieve game and other items.
Secretary of the Working Gundog Club Inc, Penny Angel. said retrieving is a visually exciting sport for participants and spectators as well as an interesting sport that allows gundogs to perform their instinctive traits while demonstrating their natural abilities at the same time.
“The skill and efficiency of both a dog and its handler are closely assessed under the supervision of a trial judge as they work through a series of unleashed exercises designed to measure a dogs’ obedience and retrieving skills,” she said
“During a test, a dog must not hesitate and should go directly to the area where game has fallen, up to 100 meters away, using their nose and tenacity to find their prey and bring it directly back to the handler undamaged.
“The ability to remain under control at all times while performing a successful retrieve are the dogs highest priorities throughout the tests and a real challenge for handlers also.”
The Working Gundog Club will host two competitions during the day (at 8am and 2pm_ which are a Novice Stake for competitors starting out in the sport as well as an Open Stake that contains more complicated tests for the experienced dogs and handlers.
Visitors are welcome to attend or enter their dogs and there will be a sausage sizzle on the day.
For more information on the club contact Penny Angel on 0487 950 228 or go online at retrieving.org.au.